U.S. patent application number 11/139698 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-15 for lens driving mechanism and image pickup device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sony Corporation. Invention is credited to Tsutsumi, Takuya.
Application Number | 20050276588 11/139698 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35460649 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050276588 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tsutsumi, Takuya |
December 15, 2005 |
Lens driving mechanism and image pickup device
Abstract
A lens driving mechanism for eccentrically driving at least one
lens or lens subunit, hereunder called a correcting lens, in a lens
system constituting a taking lens unit in a plane perpendicular to
an optical axis direction includes an electro-mechanical conversion
element and a link mechanism. The electro-mechanical conversion
element is fixedly disposed at a lens barrel where the taking lens
unit is disposed, and is mechanically deformed by an application of
a voltage. The link mechanism increases the mechanical deformation
of the electro-mechanical conversion element and transmits the
increased mechanical deformation to the correcting lens, and is
disposed around the correcting lens at the outer side of an
effective diameter of the correcting lens when viewed in the
optical axis direction.
Inventors: |
Tsutsumi, Takuya; (Tokyo,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OBLON, SPIVAK, MCCLELLAND, MAIER & NEUSTADT, P.C.
1940 DUKE STREET
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Assignee: |
Sony Corporation
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
35460649 |
Appl. No.: |
11/139698 |
Filed: |
May 31, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
396/55 ;
348/E5.028; 348/E5.046 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B 27/646 20130101;
H04N 5/2254 20130101; H04N 5/23248 20130101; H04N 5/23287 20130101;
H04N 5/23206 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
396/055 |
International
Class: |
G03B 017/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 9, 2004 |
JP |
2004-171095 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A lens driving mechanism for eccentrically driving at least one
lens or lens subunit, hereunder called a correcting lens, in a lens
system constituting a taking lens unit in a plane perpendicular to
an optical axis direction, the lens driving mechanism comprising:
an electro-mechanical conversion element fixedly disposed at a lens
barrel where the taking lens unit is disposed, the
electro-mechanical conversion element being mechanically deformed
by an application of a voltage; and a link mechanism increasing the
mechanical deformation of the electro-mechanical conversion element
and transmitting the increased mechanical deformation to the
correcting lens, wherein the link mechanism is disposed around the
correcting lens at the outer side of an effective diameter of the
correcting lens when viewed in the optical axis direction.
2. The lens driving mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the
link mechanism includes at least one lever including a first lever
and having a fulcrum, a power point, and an application point, and
the mechanical deformation of the electro-mechanical conversion
element connected to the power point of the first lever is
increased and transmitted to the application point of the first
lever.
3. The lens driving mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the at
least one lever of the link mechanism further includes a second
lever having a fulcrum, a power point, and an application point,
the power point of the second lever is connected to the application
point of the first lever, and the first lever and the second lever
are disposed opposite to each other with the correcting lens being
disposed therebetween when viewed in the optical axis
direction.
4. The lens driving mechanism according to claim 1, wherein members
of the link mechanism are integrally disposed and are connected
with an integral hinge corresponding to a thin connecting portion
of the members of the link mechanism.
5. The lens driving mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the
link mechanism further includes a link linking the first lever and
the electro-mechanical conversion element, and the link and the
power point of the first lever are integrally disposed and are
connected with a thin integral hinge.
6. The lens driving mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the
link mechanism further includes a first link linking the first
lever and the electro-mechanical conversion element and a second
link linking the application point of the first lever and the power
point of the second lever, and the first link and the power point
of the first lever, the second link and the application point of
the first lever, and the second link and the power point of the
second lever are integrally disposed and are connected with thin
integral hinges, respectively.
7. A lens driving mechanism for eccentrically driving at least one
lens or lens subunit, hereunder called a correcting lens, in a lens
system constituting a taking lens unit in a plane perpendicular to
an optical axis direction, the lens driving mechanism comprising: a
stationary base fixedly disposed at a lens barrel where the taking
lens unit is disposed; a first movable base movable in one
direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction with respect
to the stationary base; and a second movable base movable
perpendicularly to the optical axis direction and the one direction
with respect to the first movable base, wherein the stationary base
and the first movable base each have an electro-mechanical
conversion element and a link mechanism disposed thereat, each
electro-mechanical conversion element being fixedly disposed at its
associated base and being mechanically deformed by an application
of a voltage, each link mechanism being disposed around the
correcting lens at the outer side of an effective diameter of the
correcting lens when viewed in the optical axis direction and
increasing and transmitting the mechanical deformation of its
associated electro-mechanical conversion element, wherein the
mechanical deformation of the electro-mechanical conversion element
disposed at the stationary base is transmitted to the first movable
base by the link mechanism disposed at the stationary base, wherein
the mechanical deformation of the electro-mechanical conversion
element disposed at the first movable base is transmitted to the
second movable base by the link mechanism disposed at the first
movable base, and wherein the second movable base holds the
correcting lens.
8. The lens driving mechanism according to claim 7, wherein each
link mechanism includes at least one lever including a first lever
and having a fulcrum, a power point, and an application point, and
the mechanical deformation of each electro-mechanical conversion
element connected to the power point of its associated first lever
is increased and transmitted to the application point of its
associated first lever.
9. The lens driving mechanism according to claim 8, wherein the at
least one lever of each link mechanism further includes a second
lever having a fulcrum, a power point, and an application point,
the power point of each second lever is connected to the
application point of its associated first lever, and each first
lever and its associated second lever are disposed opposite to each
other with the correcting lens being disposed therebetween when
viewed in the optical axis direction.
10. The lens driving mechanism according to claim 7, wherein
members of each link mechanism are integrally disposed and are
connected with an integral hinge corresponding to a thin connecting
portion of the members of its associated link mechanism.
11. The lens driving mechanism according to claim 8, wherein each
link mechanism further includes a link linking its associated first
lever and its associated electro-mechanical conversion element, and
each link and the power point of its associated first lever are
integrally disposed and are connected with a thin integral
hinge.
12. The lens driving mechanism according to claim 9, wherein each
link mechanism further includes a first link linking its associated
first lever and its associated electro-mechanical conversion
element and a second link linking the application point of its
associated first lever and the power point of its associated second
lever, and each first link and the power point of its associated
first lever, each second link and the application point of its
associated first lever, and each second link and the power point of
its associated second lever are integrally disposed and are
connected with thin integral hinges, respectively.
13. An image pickup device comprising: a taking lens unit; an image
pickup element converting an optical image formed by the taking
lens unit into an electrical signal; and a lens driving mechanism
for eccentrically driving at least one lens or lens subunit,
hereunder called a correcting lens, in a lens system constituting
the taking lens unit in a plane perpendicular to an optical axis
direction, wherein the lens driving mechanism includes an
electro-mechanical conversion element fixedly disposed at a lens
barrel where the taking lens unit is disposed, the
electro-mechanical conversion element being mechanically deformed
by an application of a voltage, and a link mechanism increasing the
mechanical deformation of the electro-mechanical conversion element
and transmitting the increased mechanical deformation to the
correcting lens, and wherein the link mechanism is disposed around
the correcting lens at the outer side of an effective diameter of
the correcting lens when viewed in the optical axis direction.
14. The image pickup device according to claim 13, wherein the link
mechanism includes at least one lever including a first lever and
having a fulcrum, a power point, and an application point, and the
mechanical deformation of the electro-mechanical conversion element
connected to the power point of the first lever is increased and
transmitted to the application point of the first lever.
15. The image pickup device according to claim 14, wherein the at
least one lever of the link mechanism further includes a second
lever having a fulcrum, a power point, and an application point,
the power point of the second lever is connected to the application
point of the first lever, and the first lever and the second lever
are disposed opposite to each other with the correcting lens being
disposed therebetween when viewed in the optical axis
direction.
16. The image pickup device according to claim 13, wherein members
of the link mechanism are integrally disposed and are connected
with an integral hinge corresponding to a thin connecting portion
of the members of the link mechanism.
17. The image pickup device according to claim 14, wherein the link
mechanism further includes a link linking the first lever and the
electro-mechanical conversion element, and the link and the power
point of the first lever are integrally disposed and are connected
with a thin integral hinge.
18. The image pickup device according to claim 15, wherein the link
mechanism further includes a first link linking the first lever and
the electro-mechanical conversion element and a second link linking
the application point of the first lever and the power point of the
second lever, and the first link and the power point of the first
lever, the second link and the application point of the first
lever, and the second link and the power point of the second lever
are integrally disposed and are connected with thin integral
hinges, respectively.
19. An image pickup device comprising: a taking lens unit; an image
pickup element converting an optical image formed by the taking
lens unit into an electrical signal; and a lens driving mechanism
for eccentrically driving at least one lens or lens subunit,
hereunder called a correcting lens, in a lens system constituting
the taking lens unit in a plane perpendicular to an optical axis
direction, wherein the lens driving mechanism includes a stationary
base fixedly disposed at a lens barrel where the taking lens unit
is disposed, a first movable base movable in one direction
perpendicular to the optical axis direction with respect to the
stationary base, and a second movable base movable perpendicularly
to the optical axis direction and the one direction with respect to
the first movable base, wherein the stationary base and the first
movable base each have an electro-mechanical conversion element and
a link mechanism disposed thereat, each electro-mechanical
conversion element being fixedly disposed at its associated base
and being mechanically deformed by an application of a voltage,
each link mechanism being disposed around the correcting lens at
the outer side of an effective diameter of the correcting lens when
viewed in the optical axis direction and increasing and
transmitting the mechanical deformation of its associated
electro-mechanical conversion element, wherein the mechanical
deformation of the electro-mechanical conversion element disposed
at the stationary base is transmitted to the first movable base by
the link mechanism disposed at the stationary base, wherein the
mechanical deformation of the electro-mechanical conversion element
disposed at the first movable base is transmitted to the second
movable base by the link mechanism disposed at the first movable
base, and wherein the second movable base holds the correcting
lens.
20. The image pickup device according to claim 19, wherein each
link mechanism includes at least one lever including a first lever
and having a fulcrum, a power point, and an application point, and
the mechanical deformation of each electro-mechanical conversion
element connected to the power point of its associated first lever
is increased and transmitted to the application point of its
associated first lever.
21. The image pickup device according to claim 20, wherein the at
least one lever of each link mechanism further includes a second
lever having a fulcrum, a power point, and an application point,
the power point of each second lever is connected to the
application point of its associated first lever, and each first
lever and its associated second lever are disposed opposite to each
other with the correcting lens being disposed therebetween when
viewed in the optical axis direction.
22. The image pickup device according to claim 19, wherein members
of each link mechanism are integrally disposed and are connected
with an integral hinge corresponding to a thin connecting portion
of the members of its associated link mechanism.
23. The image pickup device according to claim 20, wherein each
link mechanism further includes a link linking its associated first
lever and its associated electro-mechanical conversion element, and
each link and the power point of its associated first lever are
integrally disposed and are connected with a thin integral
hinge.
24. The image pickup device according to claim 21, wherein each
link mechanism further includes a first link linking its associated
first lever and its associated electro-mechanical conversion
element and a second link linking the application point of its
associated first lever and the power point of its associated second
lever, and each first link and the power point of its associated
first lever, each second link and the application point of its
associated first lever, and each second link and the power point of
its associated second lever are integrally disposed and are
connected with thin integral hinges, respectively.
Description
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present invention contains subject matter related to
Japanese Patent Application JP 2004-171095 filed in the Japanese
Patent Office on Jun. 9, 2004, the entire contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a novel lens driving
mechanism. More specifically, the present invention relates to a
technology which uses a lens driving mechanism suitable for an
optical camera movement correcting mechanism mounted in, for
example, a video camera or a digital still camera and which can
reliably increase to a required stroke a very small displacement of
an electro-mechanical converting element (such as a piezoelectric
element) and transmit the increased displacement to a lens.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] The optical camera movement correcting mechanism detects a
camera movement in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis
with a sensor and shifts a correcting lens perpendicularly to the
optical axis so as to correct the amount of movement.
[0006] A voice coil motor, such as that disclosed in Japanese
Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 7-98470, is known to
be used as a drive source for shifting the correcting lens.
[0007] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a lens barrel including a
camera movement correcting mechanism using a voice coil. The lens
barrel includes a plurality of lens units GR and a photoelectric
conversion element IMG, which are disposed in a row on an optical
axis z-z. Of the plurality of lens units GR, the lens unit GR3 acts
as a correcting lens and can shift perpendicularly to the optical
axis z-z.
[0008] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the structure for correcting
camera movement will be described. A correcting lens (unit) GR3 is
held by a holding frame a which is capable of moving in a guide
shaft direction by guide shafts b and b. A coil c is mounted to the
holding frame a and generates a force by the magnetic force from
magnets d and d, disposed at respective sides of the coil and by an
electrical current flowing through the coil c in order to drive the
holding frame a in the direction of the guide shafts b and b.
Although not shown, a sensor for detecting the position of the
correcting lens unit GR3 is disposed. The electrical current in the
coil c is controlled so that the correcting lens unit GR3 can be
driven to a target location while its current position is
detected.
[0009] FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing a state in which a lens
barrel e is tilted by a camera movement and the correcting lens
unit GR3 is shifting to a location where it can cancel the camera
movement. When the lens barrel e is tilted by the camera movement,
the correcting lens unit GR3 is shifted perpendicularly to the
optical axis z-z and along the guide shafts b and b in order adjust
refraction of light, so that blurring does not occur at an image
plane (see the solid line arrow in FIG. 11).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Accordingly, although the camera movement is compensated for
by shifting the correcting lens (unit) G3, the above-described
method for correcting camera movement has several problems.
[0011] First, when the coil c, serving as a drive source, is not
energized, the correcting lens (unit) GR3 moves in the
gravitational direction, as a result of which the correcting lens
(unit) GR3 can no longer be held on the optical axis z-z.
Therefore, during shooting, it is difficult to hold the correcting
lens (unit) GR3 at a predetermined position when the coil c is not
energized, thereby hindering a reduction in power consumption.
[0012] To overcome this problem, a method illustrated in FIG. 12
has been proposed. In this method, the correcting lens (unit) GR3
is held by coil springs f in order to restrict power consumption by
setting the coil c in an unenergized state during shooting when the
camera movement correction function is not used. However, this
method also has a problem in that, in order to stabilize the
correcting lens (unit) GR3 at a point where the gravitational force
and the spring force are in equilibrium, as shown in FIG. 13, when
the coil c is not energized, the correcting lens (unit) GR3 is
shifted in the gravitational direction, causing the equilibrium
point to differ depending upon the posture of a camera.
[0013] Therefore, when a user starts to use the camera movement
correction function, the position of the correcting lens (unit) GR3
instantaneously moves onto the optical axis from the position where
the gravitational force and the spring force were at equilibrium
when the coil c had not been energized. Consequently, when the user
starts to use the camera movement function, framing instantaneously
changes, which is not desirable for the user.
[0014] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a structure which
rarely requires energization for maintaining a correcting lens on
an optical axis during shooting when a camera movement correction
function is not used, which is compact, and which can precisely
shift the position of the correcting lens.
[0015] A lens driving mechanism according to an embodiment of the
present invention includes an electro-mechanical conversion element
and a link mechanism. The electro-mechanical conversion element is
fixedly disposed at a lens barrel where the taking lens unit is
disposed and is mechanically deformed by an application of a
voltage. The link mechanism increases the mechanical deformation of
the electro-mechanical conversion element and transmits the
increased mechanical deformation to the correcting lens, and is
disposed around the correcting lens at the outer side of an
effective diameter of the correcting lens when viewed in the
optical axis direction.
[0016] A image pickup device according to another embodiment of the
present invention includes a taking lens unit, an image pickup
element converting an optical image formed by the taking lens unit
into an electrical signal, and a lens driving mechanism for
eccentrically driving at least one lens or lens subunit, hereunder
called a correcting lens, in a lens system constituting the taking
lens unit in a plane perpendicular to an optical axis direction.
The lens driving mechanism includes an electro-mechanical
conversion element and a link mechanism. The electro-mechanical
conversion element is fixedly disposed at a lens barrel where the
taking lens unit is disposed and is mechanically deformed by an
application of a voltage. The link mechanism increases the
mechanical deformation of the electro-mechanical conversion element
and transmits the increased mechanical deformation to the
correcting lens, and is disposed around the correcting lens at the
outer side of an effective diameter of the correcting lens when
viewed in the optical axis direction.
[0017] Therefore, according to the embodiments of the present
invention, while the electro-mechanical conversion element is not
energized, the correcting lens is held on the optical axis and the
position of the correcting lens is precisely shifted.
[0018] The lens driving mechanism according to the embodiment of
the present invention eccentrically drives at least one lens or
lens subunit, hereunder called a correcting lens, in a lens system
constituting the taking lens unit in a plane perpendicular to an
optical axis direction. As mentioned above, it includes an
electro-mechanical conversion element and a link mechanism. The
electro-mechanical conversion element is fixedly disposed at a lens
barrel where the taking lens unit is disposed and is mechanically
deformed by an application of a voltage. The link mechanism
increases the mechanical deformation of the electro-mechanical
conversion element and transmits the increased mechanical
deformation to the correcting lens, and is disposed around the
correcting lens at the outer side of an effective diameter of the
correcting lens when viewed in the optical axis direction.
[0019] As mentioned above, the image pickup device according to the
another embodiment of the present invention includes a taking lens
unit, an image pickup element converting an optical image formed by
the taking lens unit into an electrical signal, and a lens driving
mechanism for eccentrically driving at least one lens or lens
subunit, hereunder called a correcting lens, in a lens system
constituting the taking lens unit in a plane perpendicular to an
optical axis direction. The lens driving mechanism includes an
electro-mechanical conversion element and a link mechanism. The
electro-mechanical conversion element is fixedly disposed at a lens
barrel where the taking lens unit is disposed and is mechanically
deformed by an application of a voltage. The link mechanism
increases the mechanical deformation of the electro-mechanical
conversion element and transmits the increased mechanical
deformation to the correcting lens, and is disposed around the
correcting lens at the outer side of an effective diameter of the
correcting lens when viewed in the optical axis direction.
[0020] Therefore, according to the embodiments of the present
invention, since the deformation of the electro-mechanical
conversion element is increased and transmitted in order to drive
the correcting lens, the electro-mechanical conversion element is
not deformed during the unenergized state, so that the position of
the correcting lens is maintained by the electro-mechanical
conversion element in the unenergized state. Consequently, if the
position of the correcting lens is adjusted so that it is on the
optical axis when the electro-mechanical conversion element is not
deformed, it is rarely necessary to perform energization for
holding the correcting lens on the optical axis during shooting
when a camera movement correction function is not used.
[0021] Since the amount of deformation of the electro-mechanical
conversion element varies according to an applied voltage value, a
very small amount of deformation can be controlled, so that the
position of the correcting lens can be precisely shifted.
[0022] Since the link mechanism which increases the deformation of
the electro-mechanical conversion element and which transmits it to
the correcting lens is disposed around the correcting lens when
viewed in the optical axis direction at the outer side of the
effective diameter of the correcting lens, the lens driving
mechanism according to the embodiment can be disposed in a very
narrow space, thereby restricting an increase in the size of the
lens barrel.
[0023] The image pickup device including the lens driving mechanism
having the aforementioned advantages can provide a high-quality
image formed after correcting camera movement, is small, and can
save power.
[0024] A lens driving mechanism according to still another
embodiment of the present invention for eccentrically driving at
least one lens or lens subunit, hereunder called a correcting lens,
in a lens system constituting a taking lens unit in a plane
perpendicular to an optical axis direction includes a stationary
base fixedly disposed at a lens barrel where the taking lens unit
is disposed, a first movable base movable in one direction
perpendicular to the optical axis direction with respect to the
stationary base, and a second movable base movable perpendicularly
to the optical axis direction and the one direction with respect to
the first movable base. The stationary base and the first movable
base each have an electro-mechanical conversion element and a link
mechanism disposed thereat, each electro-mechanical conversion
element being fixedly disposed at its associated base and being
mechanically deformed by an application of a voltage, each link
mechanism being disposed around the correcting lens at the outer
side of an effective diameter of the correcting lens when viewed in
the optical axis direction and increasing and transmitting the
mechanical deformation of its associated electro-mechanical
conversion element. The mechanical deformation of the
electro-mechanical conversion element disposed at the stationary
base is transmitted to the first movable base by the link mechanism
disposed at the stationary base. The mechanical deformation of the
electro-mechanical conversion element disposed at the first movable
base is transmitted to the second movable base by the link
mechanism disposed at the first movable base. The second movable
base holds the correcting lens.
[0025] An image pickup device according to still another embodiment
of the present invention image pickup device includes a taking lens
unit, an image pickup element converting an optical image formed by
the taking lens unit into an electrical signal, and a lens driving
mechanism for eccentrically driving at least one lens or lens
subunit, hereunder called a correcting lens, in a lens system
constituting the taking lens unit in a plane perpendicular to an
optical axis direction. The lens driving mechanism includes a
stationary base fixedly disposed at a lens barrel where the taking
lens unit is disposed, a first movable base movable in one
direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction with respect
to the stationary base, and a second movable base movable
perpendicularly to the optical axis direction and the one direction
with respect to the first movable base. The stationary base and the
first movable base each have an electro-mechanical conversion
element and a link mechanism disposed thereat, each
electro-mechanical conversion element being fixedly disposed at its
associated base and being mechanically deformed by an application
of a voltage, each link mechanism being disposed around the
correcting lens at the outer side of an effective diameter of the
correcting lens when viewed in the optical axis direction and
increasing and transmitting the mechanical deformation of its
associated electro-mechanical conversion element. The mechanical
deformation of the electro-mechanical conversion element disposed
at the stationary base is transmitted to the first movable base by
the link mechanism disposed at the stationary base. The mechanical
deformation of the electro-mechanical conversion element disposed
at the first movable base is transmitted to the second movable base
by the link mechanism disposed at the first movable base. The
second movable base holds the correcting lens.
[0026] Therefore, according to these embodiments of the present
invention, the correcting lens can be shifted in all directions
perpendicular to the optical axis.
[0027] During shooting when the camera movement correction function
is not used, energization for holding the correcting lens on the
optical axis is rarely required.
[0028] Since the amount of deformation of each electro-mechanical
conversion element varies according to an applied voltage value, a
very small amount of deformation can be controlled, so that the
position of the correcting lens can be precisely shifted.
[0029] Since each link mechanism which increases the deformation of
its associated electro-mechanical conversion element and which
transmits it to the correcting lens is disposed around the
correcting lens when viewed in the optical axis direction at the
outer side of the effective diameter of the correcting lens, the
lens driving mechanism according to the embodiment can be disposed
in a very narrow space, thereby restricting an increase in the size
of the lens barrel.
[0030] The image pickup device including the lens driving mechanism
having the aforementioned advantages can provide a high-quality
image formed after correcting camera movement, is small, and can
save power.
[0031] In each of the embodiments, the link mechanism or each link
mechanism may include at least one lever including a first lever
and having a fulcrum, a power point, and an application point, and
the mechanical deformation of the electro-mechanical conversion
element connected to the power point of the first lever or the
mechanical deformation of each electro-mechanical conversion
element connected to the power point of its associated first lever
may be increased and transmitted to the application point of the
first lever or the application point of its associated first lever.
Therefore, the link mechanism or each link mechanism which
increases and transmits the deformation of the electro-mechanical
conversion element or its associated electro-mechanical conversion
element can be simplified.
[0032] In each of the embodiments, the at least one lever of the
link mechanism or each link mechanism may further include a second
lever having a fulcrum, a power point, and an application point,
the power point of the second lever or each second lever may be
connected to the application point of the first lever or its
associated first lever, and the first lever and the second lever or
each first lever and its associated second lever may be disposed
opposite to each other with the correcting lens being disposed
therebetween when viewed in the optical axis direction. Therefore,
the deformation of the electro-mechanical conversion element or
each electro-mechanical conversion element can be easily increased
and transmitted, and the link mechanism or each link mechanism can
be compactly disposed around the correcting lens and without
affecting the operation of the correcting lens.
[0033] In each of the embodiments, members of the link mechanism or
each link member may be integrally disposed and may be connected
with an integral hinge corresponding to a thin connecting portion
of the members of the link mechanism or its associated link
mechanism. Therefore, rattling caused by a difference between the
diameter of a hole and the diameter of a shaft as that in a
rotatable connecting unit including a hole and a shaft rarely
occurs, so that the deformation of the electro-mechanical
conversion element or each electro-mechanical conversion element is
precisely transmitted.
[0034] In each of the embodiments, the link mechanism or each link
mechanism may further include a link linking the first lever or its
associated first lever and the electro-mechanical conversion
element or its associated electro-mechanical conversion element,
and the link and the power point of the first lever or each link
and the power point of its associated first lever may be integrally
disposed and may be connected with a thin integral hinge.
Therefore, rattling caused by a difference between the diameter of
a hole and the diameter of a shaft as that in a rotatable
connecting unit including a hole and a shaft rarely occurs, so that
the amount of displacement is precisely transmitted from the first
lever to the second lever.
[0035] In each of the embodiments, the link mechanism or each link
mechanism may further include a first link linking the first lever
and the electro-mechanical conversion element or its associated
electro-mechanical conversion element and a second link linking the
application point of the first lever or its associated first lever
and the power point of the second lever or its associated second
lever, and the first link and the power point of the first lever or
each first link and the power point of each first lever, the second
link and the application point of the first lever or each second
link and the application point of its associated first lever, and
the second link and the power point of the second lever or each
second link and the power point of its associated second lever are
integrally disposed and are connected with thin integral hinges,
respectively. Therefore, rattling caused by a difference between
the diameter of a hole and the diameter of a shaft as that in a
rotatable connecting unit including a hole and a shaft rarely
occurs, so that the amount of deformation of the electro-mechanical
conversion element or each electro-mechanical conversion element is
precisely increased and transmitted to the second lever via the
first lever.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] FIG. 1, along with FIGS. 2 to 6, shows a lens driving
mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention, and
is a perspective view of the entire lens driving mechanism;
[0037] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lens driving mechanism
shown in exploded form in accordance with each block;
[0038] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the lens driving mechanism
showing each block in exploded form;
[0039] FIG. 4 is a front view of a stationary block;
[0040] FIG. 5 is a front view of a first movable block;
[0041] FIG. 6A illustrates an operation in an unenergized
state;
[0042] FIG. 6B illustrates an operation in an energized state;
[0043] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an image pickup device in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 8, along with FIGS. 9 to 11, illustrates a problem of a
related camera movement correcting mechanism, and is a schematic
view of its structure shown in cross section along an optical
axis;
[0045] FIG. 9 is a rear view thereof;
[0046] FIG. 10 is a side view thereof;
[0047] FIG. 11 is a sectional view along the optical axis of the
related camera movement correcting mechanism that is correcting
camera movement;
[0048] FIG. 12, along with FIG. 13, illustrates another problem of
the related camera movement correcting mechanism, and shows a
correcting lens being maintained at its neutral state by
energization;
[0049] FIG. 13 shows an unenergized state.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0050] A lens driving mechanism and an image pickup device
according to preferred embodiments of the present invention will
hereunder be described with reference to the attached drawings.
[0051] A lens driving mechanism will be described.
[0052] A lens driving mechanism 1 includes three blocks, a
stationary block 10, a first movable block 20, and a second movable
block 30. The stationary block 10 is fixedly supported at a lens
barrel (not shown). The first movable block 20 is movable in one
direction perpendicular to an optical axis with respect to the lens
barrel, that is, in an X direction with respect to the direction of
arrow Z, defined as the optical axis direction, among the
directions of arrows X, Y, and Z perpendicular to each other in
FIG. 1, and the second movable block 30 is movable in the Y-axis
direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction Z and the
X-axis direction.
[0053] The stationary block 10 has a base table 100 serving as a
stationary base. The base table 100 is fixedly supported with
respect to the lens barrel.
[0054] The first movable block 20 has an X-axis table 200 serving
as a first movable base. The first movable block 20 is slidably
supported by two guide shafts 201 and 201 disposed so as to extend
in the X-axis direction with respect to the lens barrel, and is
thus supported so as to be movable in the X-axis direction with
respect to the lens barrel. Support portions 202 and 202 protrude
from the left and right ends of the upper and lower end surfaces of
the X-axis table 200. The guide shafts 201 and 201 are slidably
inserted in these support portions 202.
[0055] The second movable block 30 includes a Y-axis table 300
serving as a second movable base. The second movable block 30 is
slidably supported by two guide shafts 301 and 301 disposed so as
to extend in the Y-axis direction with respect to the lens barrel,
and is thus supported so as to be movable in the Y-axis direction
with respect to the lens barrel. Support portions 302 and 302
protrude from the upper and lower end portions of the left and
right ends of the Y-axis table 300. The guide shafts 301 and 301
are slidably inserted in these support portions 302. A correcting
lens 40 is mounted to a mounting hole 303 in the center of the
Y-axis table 300.
[0056] The first movable block 20 moves in the X-axis direction by
a link mechanism and an electro-mechanical conversion element
disposed at the stationary block 10, whereas the second movable
block 30 moves in the Y-axis direction by a link mechanism and an
electro-mechanical conversion element disposed at the first movable
block 20. Therefore, the correcting lens 40 held by the second
movable block 30 moves in all directions perpendicular to the
optical axis (Z-axis direction).
[0057] The base table 100 of the stationary block 10 has a
substantially rectangular plate shape, and has a through hole 101
in the center thereof. In a stationary state, that is, when the
electro-mechanical conversion element (described later) is not
energized, the through hole 101 is disposed coaxially with the
mounting hole 303 in the Y-axis table 300. The through hole 101 has
a size large enough to include the entire effective diametrical
area of the correcting lens 40 when viewed in the optical axis
direction in a state in which the correcting lens 40 is maximally
displaced from the optical axis.
[0058] An electro-mechanical conversion element 110 which is
deformed when an electrical field is applied thereto and a first
link mechanism 120 which increases and transmits the deformation of
the electro-optical conversion element 110 are disposed at the base
table 100. The electro-mechanical conversion element 110 is formed
of, for example, piezoelectric ceramic, and may be a single plate
type or a multilayer type. The electro-mechanical conversion
element used in the embodiment is not limited to that formed of
piezoelectric ceramic. In other words, it may be formed of any
other material as long as this material is mechanically deformed
when an electrical field is applied thereto.
[0059] A forwardly protruding protrusion 102 is formed on the upper
portion of the front surface of the base table 100 in FIG. 4, and a
substantially rectangular recess 103 opening rightwards is formed
at the right end portion of the protrusion 102. The
electro-mechanical conversion element 110 fitted in the recess 103
is adhered to the base table 100 in a suitable way with, for
example, an adhesive. A guide recess 104 extending horizontally and
opening leftwards is formed on the left of the protrusion 102.
[0060] The first ring mechanism 120 has two levers, three links,
and two fulcrum members. When these members are integrally formed
and joined with thin integral hinges, these members are formed into
one unit.
[0061] A power point 131 of a first lever 130 disposed so as to
extend substantially vertically at the right front side of the base
table 100 is connected to an end 111 of the electro-mechanical
conversion element 110 via a first link 140. The first link 140 and
the power point 131 of the first lever 130 are integrated, and the
first lever 130 and the first link 140 are linked with an integral
hinge 150. In other words, cut portions 151 and 151 are formed in
both sides of a connecting portion of the first lever 130 and the
first link 140, and a thin portion 150 remaining between the two
cut portions 151 and 151 is defined as the hinge. Therefore, the
first link mechanism 120 has a resiliency which allows it to
repeatedly flex by making each member thereof thin, and is such
that portions thereof having a certain thickness are integrally
formed of synthetic resin having a rigidity allowing reliable
transmission of very small displacements. For example, it is
desirable that the first link mechanism 120 be formed of resilient
thermoplastic resin which is highly resistant to repeated fatigue,
such as polyoxymethylene (POM).
[0062] The first link 140 and the end 111 of the electro-mechanical
conversion element 110 are joined with, for example, an
adhesive.
[0063] The first lever 130 has a fulcrum 133 between the power
point 131 and an application point 132. The fulcrum 133 is
positioned closer to the power point 131 than an intermediate point
between the power point 131 and application point 132, and is such
that the amount of displacement applied to the power point 131 is
increased at the application point. The fulcrum 133 is supported at
the base table 100 through a fulcrum member 160. A mounting hole
161 is formed in the fulcrum member 160. The fulcrum member 160 and
the fulcrum 133 of the first lever 130 are connected with an
integral hinge 150. A mounting screw 162 inserted in the mounting
hole 161 in the fulcrum member 160 is screwed in a threaded hole
105 formed in the base table 100, so that the fulcrum member 160 is
secured to the base table 100. The first lever 130 can tilt as a
result of flexing of the integral hinge 150 between the first lever
130 and the fulcrum member 160.
[0064] The second lever 170 is disposed opposite to the first lever
130 with the through hole 101 in the base table 100 being disposed
therebetween. The second lever 170 has a fulcrum 173 between a
power point 171 and an application point 172. The fulcrum 173 is
positioned closer to the power point 171 than an intermediate point
between the power point 171 and application point 172, and is such
that the amount of displacement applied to the power point 171 is
increased at the application point. The fulcrum 173 is supported at
the base table 100 through a fulcrum member 160. A mounting hole
161 is formed in the fulcrum member 160. The fulcrum member 160 and
the fulcrum 173 of the second lever 170 are connected with an
integral hinge 150. A mounting screw 162 inserted in the mounting
hole 161 in the fulcrum member 160 is screwed in a threaded hole
105 formed in the base table 100, so that the fulcrum member 160 is
secured to the base table 100. The second lever 170 can tilt as a
result of flexing of the integral hinge 150 between the second
lever 170 and the fulcrum member 160.
[0065] The application point 132 of the first lever 130 and the
power point 171 of the second lever 170 are connected with a second
link 180. A connecting portion of the second link 180 and the
application point 132 of the first lever 130 and a connecting
portion of the second link 180 and the power point 171 of the
second lever 170 are connected with integral hinges 150.
[0066] The application point 173 of the second lever 170 and the
first movable block 20 are linked with a third link 190. The third
link 190 is linked to the application point 173 of the second lever
170 with an integral hinge 150. A connecting pin 191 protrudes
forwardly from a location closer to an end opposite to a connecting
portion of the third link 190 with the second lever 170. The third
link 190 is positioned in the guide recess 104 in the base table
100 so that its movement is limited to horizontal directions.
[0067] The first movable block 20 is disposed in front of the
stationary block 10.
[0068] The X-axis table 200 of the first movable block 20 has a
substantially rectangular plate shape, that is, has a shape that is
the same as that of the base table 100 when viewed in the optical
axis direction, and has a through hole 203 in the center thereof.
In a stationary state, that is, when the electro-mechanical
conversion element (described later) is not energized, the through
hole 203 is disposed coaxially with the mounting hole 303 in the
Y-axis table 300. The through hole 203 has a size large enough to
include the entire effective diametrical area of the correcting
lens 40 when viewed in the optical axis direction in a state in
which the correcting lens 40 is maximally displaced from the
optical axis.
[0069] A linking hole 204 is formed in the upper left location in
the X-axis table 200 of the first movable block 20 when viewed from
the front of the X-axis table 200 of the first movable block 20.
The connecting pin 19 at the third link 190 disposed at the
stationary block 100 is fitted to the linking hole 204, so that the
movement of the third link 190 is transmitted to the X-axis table
200.
[0070] An electro-mechanical conversion element 210 which is
deformed when an electrical field is applied thereto and a second
link mechanism 220 which increases and transmits the deformation of
the electro-optical conversion element 210 are disposed at the
X-axis table 200. Like the electro-mechanical conversion element
110, the electro-mechanical conversion element 210 is formed of,
for example, piezoelectric ceramic, and may be a single plate type
or a multilayer type.
[0071] A forwardly protruding protrusion 205 is formed on the left
portion of the front surface of the X-axis table 200 when viewed in
the optical axis direction and in the rearward direction, and a
substantially rectangular recess 206 opening rightwards is formed
at the upper end portion of the protrusion 205. The
electro-mechanical conversion element 210 fitted in the recess 206
is adhered to the X-axis table 200 in a suitable way with, for
example, an adhesive. A guide recess 207 extending vertically and
opening downwards is formed below the protrusion 205.
[0072] The second ring mechanism 220 has two levers, three links,
and two fulcrum members. When these members are integrally formed
and joined with thin integral hinges, these members are formed into
one unit.
[0073] A power point 231 of a first lever 230 disposed so as to
extend substantially horizontally at the upper front side of the
X-axis table 200 is connected to an end 211 of the
electro-mechanical conversion element 210 via a first link 240. The
first link 240 and the power point 231 of the first lever 230 are
integrated, and the first lever 230 and the first link 240 are
linked with an integral hinge 250. In other words, cut portions 251
and 251 are formed in both sides of a connecting portion of the
first lever 230 and the first link 240, and a thin portion 250
remaining between the two cut portions 251 and 251 is defined as
the hinge. Therefore, the first link mechanism 220 has a resiliency
which allows it to repeatedly flex by making each member thereof
thin, and is such that portions thereof having a certain thickness
are integrally formed of synthetic resin having a rigidity allowing
reliable transmission of very small displacements. For example, it
is desirable that the second link mechanism 220 be formed of
resilient thermoplastic resin which is highly resistant to repeated
fatigue, such as polyoxymethylene (POM).
[0074] The first link 240 and the end 211 of the electro-mechanical
conversion element 210 are joined with, for example, an
adhesive.
[0075] The first lever 230 has a fulcrum 233 between the power
point 231 and an application point 232. The fulcrum 233 is
positioned closer to the power point 231 than an intermediate point
between the power point 231 and application point 232, and is such
that the amount of displacement applied to the power point 231 is
increased at the application point. The fulcrum 233 is supported at
the X-axis table 200 through a fulcrum member 260. A mounting hole
261 is formed in the fulcrum member 260. The fulcrum member 260 and
the fulcrum 233 of the first lever 230 are connected with an
integral hinge 250. A mounting screw 262 inserted in the mounting
hole 261 in the fulcrum member 260 is screwed in a threaded hole
208 formed in the X-axis table 200, so that the fulcrum member 260
is secured to the X-axis table 200. The first lever 230 can tilt as
a result of flexing of the integral hinge 250 between the first
lever 230 and the fulcrum member 260.
[0076] The second lever 270 is disposed opposite to the first lever
230 with the through hole 203 in the X-axis table 200 being
disposed therebetween so as to extend substantially horizontally at
the lower front portion of the X-axis table 200. The second lever
270 has a fulcrum 273 between a power point 271 and an application
point 272. The fulcrum 273 is positioned closer to the power point
271 than an intermediate point between the power point 271 and
application point 272, and is such that the amount of displacement
applied to the power point 271 is increased at the application
point 272. The fulcrum 273 is supported at the X-axis table 200
through a fulcrum member 260. A mounting hole 261 is formed in the
fulcrum member 260. The fulcrum member 260 and the fulcrum 273 of
the second lever 270 are connected with an integral hinge 250. A
mounting screw 262 inserted in the mounting hole 261 in the fulcrum
member 260 is screwed in a threaded hole 208 formed in the X-axis
table 200, so that the fulcrum member 260 is secured to the X-axis
table 200. The second lever 270 can tilt as a result of flexing of
the integral hinge 250 between the second lever 270 and the fulcrum
member 260.
[0077] The application point 232 of the first lever 230 and the
power point 271 of the second lever 270 are connected with a second
link 280. A connecting portion of the second link 280 and the
application point 232 of the first lever 230 and a connecting
portion of the second link 280 and the power point 271 of the
second lever 270 are connected with integral hinges 250.
[0078] The application point 273 of the second lever 270 and the
second movable block 30 are linked with a third link 290. The third
link 290 is linked to the application point 273 of the second lever
270 with an integral hinge 250. A connecting pin 291 protrudes
forwardly from a location closer to an end opposite to a connecting
portion of the third link 290 with the second lever 270. The third
link 290 is positioned in the guide recess 207 in the X-axis table
200 so that its movement is limited to horizontal directions.
[0079] The Y-axis table 300 of the second movable block 30 has a
rectangular plate shape that is substantially the same as those of
the base table 100 and the X-axis table 200, and has a connecting
hole 304 extending horizontally at the lower left portion thereof
when viewed in the optical axis direction and in the rearward
direction, so as to be slightly longer in the X-axis direction. The
connecting pin 291 at the first movable block 20 slidably engages
the connecting hole 304, so that the deformation of the
electro-mechanical conversion element 210 of the first movable
block 20 is increased by the second link mechanism 220 and
transmitted to the second movable block 30.
[0080] The operation of the lens driving mechanism 1 will be
described primarily with reference to FIG. 6.
[0081] With the correcting lens 40 being positioned on an optical
axis z-z, the mounting screws 162, 162, 262, and 262 securing the
respective fulcrum members 160, 160, 260, and 260 are screwed into
the respective threaded holes 105, 105, 208, and 208 in order to
reliably secure the fulcrum members 160, 160, 260, and 260 to the
base table 100 and the X-axis table 200, respectively. In this
state, the electro-mechanical conversion element 110 and the
electro-mechanical conversion element 210 are secured to the base
table 100 and the X-axis table 200, respectively, with, for
example, an adhesive. This causes the correcting lens 40 to be
positioned on the optical axis z-z when a voltage is not applied to
the electro-mechanical conversion elements 110 and 210. In this
embodiment, the piezoelectric ceramic used in the
electro-mechanical conversion elements 110 and 210 is deformed in
proportion to the applied voltage. When the piezoelectric ceramic
is deformed, the force for deforming it is large. Even if a
considerably large mechanical force is applied, the piezoelectric
ceramic is not easily deformed. Therefore, the correcting lens 40
is not deformed merely by the gravity exerted upon, for example,
the Y-axis table 300 and the X-axis table 200 holding the
correcting lens 40. Consequently, when a voltage is not applied,
the correcting lens 40 can be reliably held on the optical
axis.
[0082] FIG. 6A schematically shows a state in which a voltage is
not applied to the electro-mechanical conversion element 110.
[0083] When, from the state shown in FIG. 6A, a voltage is applied
to the electro-mechanical conversion element 110 in a certain
direction, the electro-mechanical conversion element 110 is
deformed, so that the end 111 connected to the first link 140 is
displaced, for example, in the direction of arrow (1) shown in FIG.
6B by the deformation. The displacement is transmitted to the power
point 131 of the first lever 130 through the first link 140, so
that the first lever 130 rotates upon the fulcrum 133 as the
center, causing the displacement to be transmitted to the
application point 132 as an increased displacement in the direction
of arrow (2). At this time, the displacement in the direction of
arrow (2) occurring at the application point of the first lever 130
is expressed by a ratio b/a, where a is the distance from the power
point 131 to the fulcrum and b is the distance from the application
point to the fulcrum. In other words, when the displacement amount
at the power point 131 is T1, a displacement amount T2 at the
application point 132 is equal to T1, that is, T2=T1 (b/a).
[0084] The displacement transmitted to the application point 132 of
the first lever 130 is transmitted to the power point 171 of the
second lever 170 via the second link 180, so that the second lever
170 rotates upon the fulcrum 173 as the center, causing the
displacement to be transmitted to the application point 172 as an
increased displacement in the direction of arrow (3). At this time,
the displacement in the direction of arrow (3) occurring at the
application point 172 of the second lever 170 is expressed by a
ratio d/c, where c is the distance from the power point 171 to the
fulcrum and d is the distance from the application point to the
fulcrum. In other words, when the displacement amount at the power
point 171 is T2, a displacement amount T3 at the application point
172 is equal to T2, that is, T3=T2 (d/c). Therefore, the
displacement amount T1 at the electro-mechanical conversion element
110 is doubled (b.multidot.d)/(a.multidot.c), and the doubled
displacement is transmitted to the connecting pin 191 at the third
link 190 from the application point 172 of the second lever
170.
[0085] Accordingly, when the connecting pin 191 at the stationary
block 10 is moved in the X-axis direction, the X-axis table 200
connected to the connecting pin 191 through the connecting hole 204
is moved in the X-axis direction, so that the Y-axis table 300
connected to the connecting pin 291 at the first movable block 20
through the connecting hole 304 moves in the X-axis direction along
with the X-axis table 200.
[0086] When a voltage is applied to the electro-mechanical
conversion element 210 at the first movable block 20, similarly to
the above, the displacement of the electro-mechanical conversion
element 210 occurring due to the application of the voltage is
increased and transmitted to the connecting pin 291 via the first
lever 230 and the second lever 270, so that the second movable
block 30 connected to the connecting pin 291 moves in the Y-axis
direction with respect to the first movable block 20.
[0087] Accordingly, the second movable block 30 holding the
correcting lens 40 moves in the X-axis direction and by an amount
in accordance with the direction and magnitude of the voltage
applied to the electro-mechanical conversion element 110 at the
stationary block 10, and moves in the Y-axis direction and by an
amount in accordance with the direction and magnitude of the
voltage applied to the electro-mechanical conversion element 210 at
the first movable block 20. In other words, the correcting lens 40
can move in any direction perpendicular to the optical axis z-z by
a predetermined amount.
[0088] When a voltage in a direction opposite to that in FIG. 6 is
applied to the electro-mechanical conversion element 110 (210), the
end 111 of the electro-mechanical conversion element 110 is
displaced in a direction opposite to the direction of the arrow (1)
shown in FIG. 6B.
[0089] In the lens driving mechanism 1, the correcting lens 40 can
be reliably positioned on the optical axis without continuing
energization, so that power can be saved. In addition, when the
user starts to use the camera movement correction function, a
sudden change does not occur in the framing, which is desirable for
the user. Further, since the correcting lens 40 is reliably held by
the electro-mechanical conversion elements 110 and 210, movement of
the correcting lens 40 from the optical axis due to inertia
produced when, for example, the camera is suddenly subjected to
panning rarely occurs.
[0090] In the lens driving mechanism 1, the link mechanisms 120 and
220 are disposed around the correcting lens 40 when viewed in the
optical axis direction at the outer side of the effective diameter
of the correcting lens 40. Therefore, a plurality of levers can be
disposed to achieve a large magnification without adversely
affecting the largest external shape of the lens barrel.
[0091] The members of the link mechanisms 120 and 220 are all
integrally formed, and are connected with integral hinges, and the
fulcra are supported by the integral hinges. Therefore, very small
displacements can be precisely transmitted without any error which
occurs as in a connecting structure using a hole and a shaft due to
an inevitable difference between the shape of the hole and the
shape of the shaft.
[0092] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an image pickup device
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0093] An image pickup device 500 according to this embodiment
broadly includes a camera 510, a camera digital signal processor
(camera DSP) 520, a synchronous dynamic random access memory
(SDRAM) 530, a medium interface (hereunder referred to as "medium
I/F") 540, a controlling unit 550, an operating unit 560, a liquid
crystal display (LCD) controller 570, a liquid crystal display
(LCD) 571, and an external interface (hereunder referred to as
"external I/F) 580. A recording medium 590 is removable from the
image pickup device 500.
[0094] Various types of recording media may be used for the
recording medium 590. They include what is called a memory card
using a semiconductor memory, an optical recording medium such as a
recordable compact disc (CD) and a recordable digital versatile
disk (DVD), and a magnetic disc. In this embodiment, the recording
medium 590 will be described as being a memory card.
[0095] The camera 510 includes an optical block 511, a charge
coupled device (CCD) 512, a pre-processing circuit 513, an optical
block driver 514, a CCD driver 515, and a timing generating circuit
516. Here, the optical block 511 includes, for example, a lens, a
focusing mechanism, a shutter mechanism, an iris mechanism, and a
camera movement correcting mechanism using the aforementioned lens
driving mechanism 1.
[0096] The controlling unit 550 is a microcomputer in which a
central processing unit (CPU) 551, a random access memory (RAM)
552, a flash read only memory (flash ROM) 553, and a timepiece
circuit 554 are connected via a system bus 555. The controlling
unit 550 can control each part of the image pickup device according
to the embodiment.
[0097] Here, RAM 552 is primarily used as a working area, such as
an area where a processing result is temporarily stored during a
processing operation. The flash ROM 553 stores, for example, data
required for a processing operation and various programs executed
at the CPU 551. The timepiece circuit 554 can provide, for example,
the current date, the current day of the week, the current time,
and the date of shooting.
[0098] When shooting an image, in accordance with the controlling
operation by the controlling unit 550, the optical block driver 514
forms a drive signal for operating the optical block 511. The drive
signal is supplied to the optical block 511 in order to operate the
optical block 511. The focusing mechanism, the shutter mechanism,
the iris mechanism and the camera movement correcting mechanism of
the optical block 511 are controlled in accordance with the drive
signal from the optical block driver 514 in order to receive a
subject image. The subject image is provided to the CCD 512. In the
controlling operation on the camera movement correcting mechanism,
information regarding the camera movement amount detected by the
detecting sensor 600, including, for example, an X-axis direction
accelerometer and a Y-axis direction accelerometer, is output to
the controlling unit 550. On the basis of the camera movement
amount, the controlling unit 550 calculates the amount of shift in
the position of the correcting lens 40. Then, the controlling unit
550 controls the driving of a correcting lens position controlling
section (not shown) in the optical block driver 514 so as to shift
the position of the correcting lens 40 on the basis of the
calculated amount of shift. For example, when the position of the
correcting lens 40 is controlled with the lens driving mechanism 1
according to the above-described embodiment, the correcting lens
position controlling section shifts the position of the correcting
lens 40 by applying an electrical field to the electro-mechanical
conversion elements 110 and/or 210 of the lens driving mechanism 1
on the basis of a control signal from the controlling unit 550.
[0099] The CCD 512 performs photo-electric conversion on the image
from the optical block 511 and outputs the converted image. The CCD
512 operates in accordance with a drive signal from the CCD driver
515, receives the subject image from the optical block 511, and
supplies to the pre-processing circuit 513 the received subject
image (image information) as an electrical signal on the basis of a
timing signal from the timing generating circuit 516 controlled by
the controlling unit 550.
[0100] As mentioned above, the timing generating circuit 516 forms
a timing signal (which provides a predetermined timing) in
accordance with the controlling by the controlling unit 550. On the
basis of the timing signal from the timing generating circuit 516,
the CCD driver 515 forms the drive signal which is supplied to the
CCD 512.
[0101] The pre-processing circuit 513 maintains a proper S/N ratio
by performing correlated double sampling (CDS) in accordance with
the image information of the electrical signal supplied to the
pre-processing circuit 513. The pre-processing circuit 513 also
controls gain by performing automatic gain control (AGC), and forms
image data of a digital signal by performing analog/digital (A/D)
conversion.
[0102] The image data of the digital signal from the pre-processing
circuit 513 is supplied to the camera DSP 520. The camera DSP 520
performs camera signal processing operations, such as auto focus
(AF), auto exposure (AE), and auto white balance (AWB) on the
supplied image data. The image data variously adjusted in this
manner is compressed by a predetermined compression method, and the
compressed image data is supplied to the recording medium 590
loaded in the image pickup device according to the embodiment via
the system bus 555 and the medium I/F 540 in order to be recorded
as a file on the recording medium 590.
[0103] The image data to be read recorded on the recording medium
590 is read from the recording medium 590 via the medium I/F 540 in
accordance with a user's input accepted via the operating unit 560
including, for example, a touch panel and a control key. Then, the
read image data is supplied to the camera DSP 520.
[0104] The camera DSP 520 decompresses the compressed image data
read from the recording medium 590 and supplied via the medium I/F
540. Then, the decompressed image data is supplied to the LCD
controller 570 via the system bus 555. The LCD controller 570 forms
an image signal to be supplied the LCD 571 on the basis of the
supplied image data, and supplies the image signal to the LCD 571.
This causes an image formed in accordance with the image data
recorded on the recording medium 590 to be displayed on a display
screen of the LCD 571.
[0105] The form of the display of the image is in accordance with a
display processing program recorded in ROM. The display processing
program is a program for indicating by what mechanism a file system
(described later) is recorded and how an image is reproduced.
[0106] The image pickup device 500 according to the embodiment
includes the external I/F 580. The image pickup device 500 may be
connected to, for example, an external personal computer via the
external I/F 580 in order to receive image data from the personal
computer and record the supplied image data onto the recording
medium 590 loaded in the image pickup device 500 and in order to
supply the image data recorded on the recording medium 590 loaded
in the image pickup device 500 to the external personal
computer.
[0107] Connecting the image pickup device 500 to a network, such as
the internet, by connecting a communication module to the external
I/F 580 makes it possible to obtain various image data and other
types of data through the network in order to record such data on
the recording medium 590 loaded in the image pickup device 500 and
to transmit the data recorded on the recording medium 590 loaded in
the image pickup device 500 to a target device via the network.
[0108] Obviously, data, such as image data, obtained via the
external personal computer or network and recorded on the recording
medium 590 may be read out and reproduced at the image pickup
device 500 and displayed on the LCD 571 for use by a user.
[0109] The external I/F 580 may be disposed as a wired interface,
such as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
1394 or a universal serial bus (USB), or as a wireless interface
based on light or electrical waves.
[0110] Accordingly, the image pickup device 500 can shoot a subject
image and record the subject image on the recording medium 590, and
can read out the image data recorded on the recording medium 590,
reproduce the read image data, and use the reproduced image data.
In addition, through an external personal computer or a network,
the image pickup device 500 can receive image data and record the
image data on the recording medium 590 loaded in the image pickup
device 500 or read out and reproduce the recorded image data.
[0111] The form and structure of each part in each of the
embodiments are merely examples in embodying the present invention
when carrying out the present invention. Therefore, these are not
to be construed as limiting the technical scope of the present
invention.
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